Invictus 0
After watched the movie Invictus last night, i’m so compelled to read Nelson Mandela biography. In the movie, Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Invictus (Latin for “Unconquered”) is a poem referred to several times in the movie. It becomes the central inspirational gift from Mandela, to Springbok rugby team captain François (played by Matt Damon) before the Rugby World Cup 1995.
Invictus, by William Ernest Henley (1849–1903).
Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole
I thanks whatever gods may be, for my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeonings of fate, my head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears, looms but the horror of the shade
and yet, the menace of the years finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll
I am the master of my fate - I am the captain of my soul.
